City, union reach accord on contract

The city and its largest union have reached a five-year collective bargaining agreement that promises raises each year over the length of the contract.

In a statement, Mayor Thomas Richards said the agreement with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1635 provides stability both for the city and its employees during difficult economic times.

The union represents about 1,100 city employees, from public works to clerical staff. Under the agreement, members will receive a 2 percent wage increase the first two years, retroactive to July 1, 2012, when the previous contract ended, a 1 percent increase in the third year and 2 percent increases for the final two years ending June 30, 2017.

Contracts with the city's other major municipal unions, namely police and fire, expire June 30.